pionero
nounCEFR B2
What does “pionero” mean in English?
pioneer, trailblazer — a person who is first to open up a new field of research or activity
pioneer, trailblazer — a person who is first to open up a new field of research or activity (ser pionero en; espíritu pionero)
Example sentences
La científica fue una pionera en el campo de la nanotecnología y recibió el Premio Nobel a los setenta años.
The scientist was a pioneer in the field of nanotechnology and received the Nobel Prize at the age of seventy.
La empresa fue pionera en la adopción de modelos de trabajo híbrido antes de que se generalizaran.
The company was a pioneer in adopting hybrid working models before they became widespread.
Los pioneros del cine mudo sentaron las bases del lenguaje cinematográfico que usamos hoy.
The pioneers of silent cinema laid the foundations of the cinematic language we use today.
How to use it
El pionero / la pionera (noun, common gender) means 'pioneer' or 'trailblazer' — a person who is the first to open up a new area of research, activity, or settlement. Key collocations: ser pionero/a en; espíritu pionero; empresa/investigadora pionera; abrir el camino como pionero. The adjective is also pionero/a: empresa pionera en sostenibilidad. Distinguish from fundador/a (founder — who establishes an organisation) and innovador/a (innovator — who introduces new methods).
Common mistake
Pionero/a can be both noun and adjective. Ser pionero/a en + gerund/noun is the standard construction. Distinguish from fundador/a (who creates an institution) — a pioneer explores new territory. Espíritu pionero = pioneering spirit (fixed). 'Ground-breaking' = pionero/a or revolucionario/a depending on degree.